Eastman Fiberglass vs. Superior Fiberglass case?

[pjlama]

Ok, I have an Eastman FG case and love it's size, protective qualities and price but am not crazy about the lack of storage. Superior has an FG case that's very similar with a small storage compartment. What's the poop people? It looks to me that Eastman has a nicer interior but Superior has a place for a set of strings, a couple picks and that hot chicks phone number that digs guys with a little instrument. Let er' rip, I need to buy a case... it's in your hands now.

[ColdBeerGoCubs]

I have the an Eastman FG and I keep a set of strings, a bunch of picks, a tuner (even a metronome once) under the headstock in an old Crown Royal bag. Can get a peg winder in there too if need be. As far as the phone numbers go, I just write them on the case itself, then after I figure out what type of mental illness they suffer from, I mark that on the case next to the phone number also.

[jjboone101]

I've owned both and prefer the Superior FG case. The storage is good and it just seems a bit more substantial to me.

[almeriastrings]

The 'Superior' / 'Golden Gate' cases are a heavier FG layup than the Eastmans. Storage on both is just about adequate for a set of strings, some picks and a small tuner. I prefer the 'Superior' (same case as the GG without the plate):







They're great value cases. Ideal for light-medium duty and use around town.

[mandroid]

Have backpack straps on my FG Eastman, I use them all the time.

Got the A5 version, put my plastic mandolin in it.
A storage realist,
I resolve the storage issue putting the string packets in the case first,
then the mandolin on top of them

[pjlama]

Thanks for the feedback, I have an Eastman but really want the storage for my new mandolin so I ordered a Superior. If I like it I'll order a couple more and sell the pile of cases at my house. Unless a mandolin comes with a Calton or some other high dollar case I can't see spending the money. I'm not a touring musician and like some others have said those cases are so heavy when the hit the ground it's only intensifying the impact of a fall.

[robert.najlis]

what about headstock room on the two cases?

[Gary]

I don't mean to divert the thread but I'm wondering if anyone knows how these two cases compare in terms of strength/protection to the Hiscox and Bobelock Arrow cases.

thanks in advance,
gary

[almeriastrings]

I would say in terms of pure "defensive measures" and protection, the Hiscox is better than the GG/Superior by quite a margin. More padding. More room in general. Very tough indeed. I have not examined a Bobelock Arrow. Obviously, though, the Hiscox is also considerably more bulky in general. I have both. Hiscox and several of these GG/Superior cases. I like the GG/Superior cases as general 'carry arounds'. They will do their job if you crash into a door, or drop from a modest height, or have them with your gear in the back of a truck. I would not trust them to a baggage handler, however....

[pjlama]

I looked at those two as well but I want the smallest lightest case available with the best protection at a reasonable price.

[RootsMusicVirginia]

Even if Reunion Blues cases aren't your style, it's worth watching their demo videos (www.reunionblues.com/Video_Gallery.asp). Enjoy!

[Tom Sanderson]

I don't travel for work anymore, so I saw no real need to have a Calton case. Too heavy and overkill for my everyday use. I recently sold it and bought a Superior Fiberglass and a Smalldog case cover. I like the smaller size and the lighter weight of the Superior. Headstock room is about the same, a little less storage space, but the Smalldog cover has a zipper pocket on it and it works good for strings, a book, etc. For my needs it's the best I've found (small, light, and way less bucks than the Calton). I know that the thread is about Eastman Fiberglass vs. Superior Fiberglass, but I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. I haven't tried the Eastman.

[pjlama]

Hmmm, the Superior came it doesn't fit the mandolin and doesn't protect the end pin at all. I'll need to send it back and revive the hunt or just get a second Eastman or use the one of the pile of cases here. I just like getting a nice habitat for my latest baby.

[almeriastrings]

That's disappointing... which model mandolin is this for?

I have three different mandolins living in these cases at present, a Silverangel 'F', a Triggs 'F' and a Bluett F4 oval hole. They all fit OK... no contact between endpin and outer shell at all.

[ColdBeerGoCubs]

Hmmm, the Superior came it doesn't fit the mandolin and doesn't protect the end pin at all. I'll need to send it back and revive the hunt or just get a second Eastman or use the one of the pile of cases here. I just like getting a nice habitat for my latest baby.

I'm not one to say I told you so, but I didn't tell you so, so I can't tell you I told you so. But I should have referred to the thread I referenced when going through this same thing, although for much less expensive mandolins I'm sure. Anyway, that sucks, Eastman is out of the case game so if you find a stash let me know.

[barrangatan]

, Eastman is out of the case game so if you find a stash let me know.

Is that right? That would have explained why they are all sold out everywhere and no one seem to be getting more. Bummer indeed. I recently got one (the newer model) with a mandolin I bought and I really like it. Would have liked to get a second one.

[almeriastrings]

Elderly were showing some in stock just a couple of days ago when I checked.

[ColdBeerGoCubs]

Elderly was one of many places that told me Eastman was stopping production on them, but they are showing a white case in stock.